MAKE PLANS TO BE IN CHICAGO FOR THE AVER NATIONAL CONVENTION 21--‐23 SEPTEMBER 2018

We have planned some special events and programming with you in mind. A number of stellar speakers have been invited to participate. Besides all the wonderful opportunities to share and learn during the convention, there will also be opportunities for camaraderie and sightseeing in the Chicagoland area. Chicago is a tourist city that attracts visitors from around the world. We have included a myriad of cultural places in the Chicago area that should appeal to many of you — including Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Pritzker Military Museum and Library, Daley Plaza, The LGBT Legacy Project, Gerber/Hart Library, and, of course, our two Monuments to LGBT Veterans and Servicemembers—one at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery and a second at the Northwest corner of Addison Street and Halsted Street.

The Convention fee is $180.00. What do you get for your money? Friday night: Opening Reception at Sidetrack (voted the most famous gay bar in the world) with snacks and an open bar.

Saturday: All--‐day meeting at the Center on Halsted (Chicago’s LGBT Center) including Continental Breakfast and a light Lunch.

Saturday evening: The semi--‐formal Military Banquet will be held at the Ann Sather Restaurant on Belmont. Gay Alderman Tom Tunney has provided AVER delicious family style food for 25 years. Open bar, Awards, and our unusual Silent Auction.

Sunday morning: Wrap up sessions at the Center on Halsted including Continental Breakfast.

We are tentatively planning on organizing a double--‐decker bus tour of the city and/or an architectural Chicago River tour for participants. We realize that this is a short convention which doesn’t leave much time for sightseeing. ?We encourage participants to come earlier and stay longer to enjoy the many tourist attractions that Chicago has to offer. ?